Best Gazebos for Your Deck

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A Gazebo for Entertaining02:52

This large backyard gets a weekend makeover that includes a gazebo.

Gazebos and decks are popular features of many backyards, but it's also an option to combine the two and create an attractive and highly functional outdoor living space. As you consider deck and patio design ideas, you should explore the main options available for deck gazebos.

A good place to start when planning a gazebo for your deck is with the question of whether or not you want to match the overall style of your home and the deck itself with the gazebo, or go in a slightly different or contrasting direction. In general, because gazebos are larger structures, the preference seems to be to keep them at least marginally in line with the overall design of the home, or at least its accents. But with many styles to choose from, ranging from traditional "Victorian garden" to more modern designs, you should have no problem finding the one that best suits the overall aesthetic of your property.

Once you've decided on the style for your deck gazebo, you'll need to decide whether you're going to hire a contractor to build it, build it yourself, or purchase a pre-fabricated model from a home improvement or garden store. Each path has potential advantages and disadvantages. If you hire a contractor, you're likely to end up with a sturdy and beautiful design, but you'll pay more for the labor and expertise. If you construct the gazebo yourself, expect to spend money on material and time on preparation and construction. And if you purchase a pre-fab model, you'll be more restricted in terms of design, but you won't have to lift a hammer or pay someone else to.

Whichever direction you choose, understanding your choices when it comes to gazebos for your deck should help you decide which design approach is right for you.